ESPN’s Football Power Index: Michigan, Ohio State rank Nos. 2 and 3

At least that’s what ESPN’s Football Power Index thinks. Michigan, which was No. 1 a week ago, is now No. 2 after the Wolverines’ off week and Alabama’s dominant win at Tennessee. Ohio State is up to No. 3 after winning at Wisconsin. The Buckeyes were fifth last week but jumped Clemson and Louisville.

What do the numbers think about the Big Ten title? Well, Michigan is still the favorite. The Wolverines were at 49.9 percent last week, but Ohio State has cut into that a bit.

And what about each team’s chances to win out? Yet again, Michigan is the favorite here, as the Wolverines will be huge, huge favorites in every game except one: Nov. 26 at Ohio State. But even in that one, Michigan is still given a 49.5-percent chance to win in Columbus, Ohio.

Of all the teams in the country, Western Michigan has the best chance to win out (and thus stay unbeaten): 62.2 percent. Michigan is third (Louisville comes in second at 52.2 percent).

ESPN’s FPI win-out chances are below. Note Ohio State was only 17.5 percent a week ago, so Saturday’s win at Wisconsin gave the Buckeyes a boost: